from july 3rd-october 30th, i spent much of my free time walking the parks in ann arbor. i was initially surprised that there were over 150 parks in the city, but happy to discover the number. and so, with no sense of direction, and no expectations, other than to see what was out there, i wandered into the woods and stumbled into the greenspaces, open to whatever came my way.
some of the things i discovered about the parks –
ann arbor has 152 parks, along with other recreational and activity spaces
not all of the parks were easy to find or to access, information and directions were vague at times – there were many secret entrances. during this adventure, i had to climb though brambles, through backyards, across driveways, park illegally, go over and under fences, across ravines, around hills, between fences, over water, under low trees, and behind school yards.
the parks total over 2,000 acres (more on that tomorrow)
they range in size from the tiniest pocket parks (postman’s rest and depot) to the largest- birdhills (161 acres) and the nichols arboretum (123 acres)
many different people/organizations help to care for them – the university of michigan school of natural resources, the boy and girl scouts, garden clubs, sportsmen’s clubs, land preservation groups, businesses, neighbors, schools, churches, anonymous individuals
they are used for all kinds of celebrations, get togethers, meetings, activities, sports in every season, as well as solitary endeavors
all kinds and ages of people and animals use the parks
there is a lot of water involved – rivers, creeks, streams, lakes
lots of trees, wildflowers, corn, berries, pine cones, apples, orchids, peonies, lilies, mushrooms, thistles, brambles, green spaces, vines, grasses, ravines, hills, fields, marshes, meadows
lots of rocks – from boulders to gravel
play areas of all kinds – for toddlers through adult sports enthusiasts
lots of structures – tree houses, forts, damns, benches, tables, huts, camp sites
lots of animals of every kind
incredible histories and memorials
lots of neighborhood parks – each has at least one park within it
at times i felt like i was in someone’s intimate space, like showing up and sharing their yard with them
other times, i was the only one in a large, incredibly beautiful space, in the middle of the city, or just on the outskirts, but deep in the woods, hidden away and far removed
some of the things i discovered about myself:
i am stronger and have much more stamina than when i began walking
i am apparently bite and injury resistant – never was bitten by any insect, animal, or human, only got scraped after my slide down a hill
i love walking deep in the woods in quiet solitude
it takes me about 40 minutes before i am deep in my zen zone when walking and then i could walk forever
i also love being amidst the wildlife and human activity in the parks at times
i went through 1 and 1/2 pairs of shoes
i discovered interesting lost/abandoned items along the way – mittens, socks, flip flops, shorts, underwear, glasses….
i am now a bit wealthier – (found 28 cents along the way)
i am able to walk in all weather conditions
i still have a horrendous sense of direction but always find my way back home
i found so much more than i ever expected, including an incredible sense of peace, and feel changed in ways that will stay with me forever
each and every park has a story, each one has its own personality, each one has very loyal caretakers, each one is valued by the community, each one is clearly loved by someone.
it was a long, but wonderful journey and when i finally reached the end of the list, it was bittersweet. along the way, i learned much about my city, the people who live here, the spaces within my community, the nature that surrounds me, and even more about myself. thank you to ann arbor for providing such amazing places of beauty for all of us .
—
“many a trip continues long after movement in time and space have ceased.”
-john steinbeck
Lovely. Just the kind of thing I would love. I’m pleased to see we both share a very poor sense of direction. I thought I was the only one !!
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thanks, peter. and i’ve accepted that it will never get better, i’ve learned to just embrace it and find my way via new routes.
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Maybe the slide down the hill made you insect resistant.
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that could be it, mark. after that, they knew not to mess with me! )
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You need to be hired by Parks and Rec. Brilliant idea Beth. And so well done. They should make a pamphlet/book of your trips.
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Thank you,Colleen- I’ve tossed them an unsolicited line to see if they may be interested in something-
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Oh Good Luck Beth!!!!!
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I’m sad this series has ended, Beth. I’ve enjoyed journeying with you and seeing things through your eyes. Thank you. What is our next adventure? 🙂
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Sorry – Ryan Stone.
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No worries, Ryan-I figured it might be an alias)
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Thank you so much, who knows what lies ahead? I’m open to whatever opportunities may present themselves
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Thank you for reminding me how mind-changing getting out nature can be. I love your statement – at times i felt like i was in someone’s intimate space, like showing up and sharing their yard with them. I often feel that way whenever I am “out in nature”. I think about the history of the ground I am walking on.
I was also intrigued by this – it takes me about 40 minutes before i am deep in my zen zone when walking and then i could walk forever. I want this to happen to me 🙂 Currently I struggle to get in a 15 min walk around campus where I work or around my neighborhood. I want to get to that zen zone.
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It is hard not to be changed by it. Finding yourself surrounded by nature, quite often the only human in the space, is conducive to finding that sweet spot-
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Looking back on those few years I lived in Sioux City, my best times were hiking in the nature parks with my friends and their dogs every Sunday afternoon.
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I can understand that
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Loved hearing and learning
about your journey, Beth!!
Michigan is a beautiful state and AnnArbor
is such a special city. One of the things I
miss most about Michigan is it’s fabulous
parks.
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Yes, it is easy to imagine that you would even tho
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You live in a beautiful place
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The park views are beautiful and I am not surprised you enjoyed walking in them.
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It would be hard not to)
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Congrats on this inspiring accomplishment
>
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Thanks so much, Roy
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What an adventure! I love being in the woods. The deeper in I am the happier I am. I absolutely loved the line “i still have a horrendous sense of direction but always find my way back home”
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There is nothing like it, is there? Thank you
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I think the people of Ann Arbor would appreciate your book on the parks, Beth, and the U if M Press would happily publish it. 🤓
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That would be nice)
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What a great adventure you’ve had.
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Oh, it was)
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What an amazing project and accomplishment.
I also have a horrible sense of direction, and I’m always fearful I will not find my way back home. Kudos to you!
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i have had that fear in the past, but abandoned it long ago, and always eventually find my way, even if it is by alternative route –
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And that you “changed in ways that will stay with me forever”… best result of any experience. Congrats, Beth.
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You are so right and thank you
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Maybe next spring when the weather is warm and Sunny with no thought of snow, cold wind or any other stuff you might have in Ann Arbor (LOL) to visit some of those many parks and such. Thank you Beth I have come to look forward to your articles to see what you are going to write about next I am never disappointed. Thanks!!
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I’m happy they resonate with you, kat
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me too
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What an inspiration your walks have been to me. I find great solace and learn much on my walks about the preserves near me, and wherever else I manage to roam, but, there is something so personal about your odyssey to the parks that belong to you and to the folks of Ann Arbor. You always found your back and I’m guessing in more ways that just locating your car. Well done and thank you.
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Thank you for your very kind and thoughtful words
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This was such a wonderful undertaking. I have NO sense of direction, so my husband was trying to teach me how to use a compass when we went to Pokagon State Park. Glad you always found your way home after such transcendant experiences.
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Me too, and thanks!
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This has been an inspiring adventure. And quite an accomplishment.
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Thank you very much, Otto.
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Thank you for the fascinating recap. It sounds as though you’re wealthier in many ways. I look forward to seeing what your next great adventure is going to be.
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Thanks so much, russ and who knows what’s ahead ?)
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This is one of my favorite posts you’ve ever written. I am so happy you’ve gained so much through this project. I feel so inspired by this. Thank you Beth for sharing your journey 🙂
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Thank you so much for following me on my journey and for your kind words-
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I’ve never been to Michigan, Beth, but now I feel like I know some of the parks very well! There is definitely something special about being out with nature. We do it often through hiking, camping, and backpacking. Lovely post. 🌲🌿🍂🍁
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How wonderful- thank you)
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So very enjoyable. Loved these parks. And what a brilliant post Beth!
“I found so much more than I ever expected.”
Now, that is a worthy quote!!
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thanks, deb. i’m so glad you enjoyed it –
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there is alot to be said, about our near by, local little parks…. so, yes, I truly did enjoy this series 🙂
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and that makes perfect sense )
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smiling!
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28 cents wealthier -but richer in so many more ways!!!
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yes, that’s true, jodi –
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A walk in nature is the best way to recharge. Sounds like you had a wonderful journey.
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it absolutely is, and it was –
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152 parks. That is impressive. Your stories of the parks and what they did for you is just wonderful. I loved this read, Beth.
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Thank you so much, Jennie
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You’re welcome, Beth 🙂
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Wonderful
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thank you, dk
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Great summary of your walking the parks of Ann Arbor. I love the things you learned!! Wow, I am glad you now know how the woods, forest and plains can be places that you find zen and peace. Someday maybe it won’t take 40 minutes to reach that, Beth.
The flowers in the last photo are so pretty, I woul re-use them for a where have all the flowers gone? Peace rally!!
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thanks for all of that, and yes, the wildflowers would be perfect for that –
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Of course, how could I not be proud of my younger “sister?” 😉
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Truly inspiring! I wonder how many parks my town has!?!
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i thought i knew but was very surprised to see all that were here, you should check it out, you might be surprised –
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I’ve always loved parks! They always seem to reflect the communities they are in. Did you come up with a favorite park during your explorations?
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Yes, i have a few, for different reasons
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It was a joyous journey through all the parks for all of us. Thanks and Congratulations! (it takes me about 40 poems too to get into the zen zone, and then I can read forever) 🙂
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So awesome. Good of you to share this experience with us.
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The pleasure was mine-
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Undoubtedly! Esp. with that 28 cents in your pocket! 😉
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cha-ching! )
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Ha! 🙂
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wow! you did all that? incredible! I’m glad you enjoyed yourself. x
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Thanks, I enjoyed it )
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What a brilliant thing to do!
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it was a great adventure )
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Thank you so much on your wrap-up report from walking the Ann Arbor parks. It sounds like a beautiful place to live. And the possibility of writing a book on your adventures, is exciting! Congrats on a project followed through on.
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thanks so much, susan –
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Sometimes being alone with nature is an escape from all negativities of this world. It is so solemn and peaceful.
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Yes, it is all of that-
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Missed this somehow, but I’m glad I finally found it. What a wonderful adventure!
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thanks, sarah. i really enjoyed it –
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Wow!! Beautiful!!!!
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thanks, britt )
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Your photos are lovely. There’s something beautiful and serene about a walk in the park.
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Thank you so much
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